Introduction, Specifications, and Pricing

UPDATE: FSP wanted us to let you know that they recently released the CMT520 Plus. CMT520 Plus has the same body as the CMT520, but the CMT520 Plus version has ARGB fans, and the CMT520 only has the RGB fans.

The last chassis of the new series from FSP makes it to us for testing. Unlike what we saw in the CMT510, which used to be the top-tier offering, we are about to see something similar, yet at the same time, took advantage of some new things as well. What was a big hit for the CMT510 was the incorporation of both tempered glass and RGB fans. Of course, the internal layout was not bad either, but rather than using the same motherboard tray as the CMT510; this new chassis is borrowing most of its bits from the CMT330 we just saw last.

Major changes to this latest case are as follows. While still offering tempered glass, some changes are made here. The front glass panel is now part of a plastic bezel, which improves airflow as well as delivering a bit of style to an otherwise cubic design. However, for some reason, FSP felt the glass on the right side was too much and has removed it. While the CMT510 was also RGB capable, it could only produce a select group of colors and patterns via a switch in the I/O panel. This time around, we are given a new RGB fan hub, but FSP also makes sure to include a bit of kit that allows for full motherboard software control of the fans this time.

In the information provided, one might assume there is not much to see here, but FSP has improved upon the original when developing the CMT520 RGB mid-tower chassis we are about to get into. The changes may be subtle, the additions and subtractions to the chassis may seem trivial, but once compared side to side, the CMT520 RGB is the clear winner of the two. Stick it out, and follow us through this review, as what was once the middle-tier CMT330 gets all dressed up for a night on the town and is now delivered as the CMT520 RGB.

As all of the FSP cases do, the CMT520 RGB comes in only one color, black. Externally, the plastic window is gone, in favor of a tempered glass panel, which also matches the treatment to the front bezel. Most of the chassis is made from steel, and plastic is used for the feet, the bezel, and also for the HDD trays and the PSU cover. All told the chassis weighs in at 8.5Kg with most of the additional weight coming from the use of glass. Dimensionally, the chassis is the same as the CMT330, with a height of 510mm, a depth of 495mm, and a width of 215mm.

Inside of the chassis, there is room for 163mm of CPU air cooling tower, and room for 423mm of video cards. The back of the chassis has eight expansion slots, and the motherboard tray will house a Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, or EATX board. 3.5" drive use is limited to a pair of trays in an HDD cage which is not removable. Using 2.5" drives, you have six locations in total. There are two locations at the right of the motherboard tray, two behind it, and the HDD trays will also accept 2.5" drives.

Cooling this chassis is a set of four RGB LED fans which are all 120mm in size. Three of them are stacked in the front of the chassis and are easily seen through the tempered glass panel in the bezel. The last of the fans are mounted in the back of the chassis as the exhaust and is viewable through the side of the chassis. Optionally, you can use three 120mm fans or a pair of 140mm fans in the top. Radiator support gives us the option for a 360mm radiator at the top or in the front of the CMT520, and you can also use the back of the chassis for a 120mm radiator.

Looking around for the best price, we see that many locations are sticking to the MSRP. What we found, is that to obtain the CMT520 RGB chassis, you will need to spend $109.99. This is only $10 more than the CMT510, and the benefits found inside of the CMT520 RGB makes that small bump in cost worth every penny. You may have seen many cases like what we are about to go over, but many are a harder hit to the bank account, and we do feel that FSP has redeemed themselves, and brought forth a chassis which we did not see coming from them.

PRICING: You can find the product discussed for sale below. The prices listed are valid at the time of writing, but can change at any time. Click the link below to see real-time pricing for the best deal:

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